Zodiac SAL - Libra

Welcome to the first post of the new Zodiac SAL.  I will be posting on the first Saturday of each month with information about that month's sign and a linky for anyone who wants to join in.  The linky will stay open until the end of the month.

We start our SAL with the sign of Libra, the Scales.  Librans are born between 23rd September and 22nd October.  It is an Air sign ruled by the planet Venus.

Libra Constellation by Junebug and Darlin'

"Libra was known in Babylonian astronomy as MUL Zibanu (the "scales" or "balance"), or alternatively as the Claws of the Scorpion. 
The scales were held sacred to the sun god Shamash, who was also the patron of truth and justice.  It was also seen as the Scorpion's Claws in ancient Greece.
Since these times, Libra has been associated with law, fairness and civility. 
In Arabic zubānā means "scorpion's claws", and likely similarly in other Semitic languages: this resemblance of words may be why the Scorpion's claws became the Scales.
It has also been suggested that the scales are an allusion to the fact that when the sun entered this part of the ecliptic at the autumnal equinox, the days and nights are equal."
Source: Wikipedia - Libra (constellation)

Libra by Josephine Wall for HAED

Libra People: What They’re Like

Peace, love, and harmony is the Libra M.O. You’ll instantly be swept away by Libra’s charm and pleasant demeanor, enchanged by their wide array of conversation topics. 
Libra people are the perfect partners for a social justice project, interior design masterpiece, or even just a peaceful day picnicking in the park and strolling around the town. Set these social butterflies free at a networking event and they’ll own the room. 
Some Libras can be reserved and formal at first. But once you get them talking, a five minute conversation can morph into a three-hour philosophical discourse! 
Because Libra seeks compromise, this sign dislikes conflict and anything that feels “unfair.” In fact, if you meet an angry Libra, chances are this sign is riled up about an ongoing injustice. Their system simply can’t tolerate it! 
Many Libras are natural diplomats who will do everything to negotiate between warring parties that just can’t get along. They can accurately see both sides to a situation, and often resolve disputes in an equitable way for all involved. 
However, there is a population of Libras whose Venusian appetites rule them, eclipsing their sign’s sensibility and driving them to pursue material indulgence at any cost. These Librans use their natural charms and good looks to manipulate others into taking care of them or doing their bidding. As the sign of the Judge, some Libras can even tip the scales into dictatorial behavior and power trips (Libras Simon Cowell, Margaret Thatcher and Vladimir Putin are examples of Libras with a “my way or the highway” attitude). 
When it comes to their own decision-making, they have an even harder time and will vacillate between “Should I?” or “Shouldn’t I?” You can find Libra people taking in culture at a gallery opening, indulging in a sweet treat or gourmet health food, or shopping for a couture or hand-crafted piece to add to their impressive wardrobes.
Source: Astrostyle - Libra

Libra by Illustrated Ink for Gecko Rouge

Famous Libra People & Celebrities:

Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bruno Mars, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Simon Cowell, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Zac Efron, John Lennon, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mahatma Gandhi, Vladimir Putin, Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester A. Arthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Shel Silverstein, T.S. Eliot, ee cummings, Oscar Wilde, Donna Karan, Sergio Rossi, Ralph Lauren.

John Lennon Self Portrait by Beatlestitch

For the stitching part of the SAL I have chosen a series of designs from the Donna Kooler book 365 Tiny Cross Stitch Designs.  I am stitching them all on one piece of 32 count Millenium Blue linen.  Here is Libra:

These are nice quick stitches, this one took just over a day to stitch up.  I used two strands of black for the filigree as I wasn't sure one strand would show up on the blue fabric.

I will also be stitching three of Satsuma Street's larger Zodiac series.  Starting with Virgo (for me).  I'm stitching these on 28 count black and I debated back and forth whether to stitch over one or over two.  In the end I went for over two:

The colours are much more vibrant in real life.  I have converted her hair to dark brown to resemble me more.  I don't have blue skin though, only when it is really cold!

There are several people who said they wouldn't be able to take part as they don't have a zodiac design to stitch.  But that's OK, you can always use your trusty shoehorn and think outside the box.

How about this for Air:

Emily Peacock

Or this one for Scales:

Chinese Dragon by Serendipity Designs

Yes, all those scales are backstitched in gold metallic thread.

Or maybe you stitched something for the Libran in your life:

Happy Birthday, Grandad

This is the place for you to link up if you want to join in, please link to the actual blog post, not your blog homepage and include your name so we can see who has joined in.

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Finally, I will round off with the latest Satsuma Street design, released just yesterday in time for this post!

Libra by Satsuma Street